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Over in Iran the only conservative challenger to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the country's elections has proposed a step-by-step approach to improve US ties.

And Mohsen Rezaei said US President Barack Obama has made an important shift in attitude toward Iran. Rezaei's comments broadened his attacks on Ahmadinejad to include his handling of foreign affairs.

And his comments also offered clearer hints of his plans for possible outreach to Washington if elected.

It appears that Rezaei will also attempt to challenge Ahmadinejad over what is the best response to Washington's opening for dialogue.

Mohsen Rezaei, Conservative Candidate in Iran's Elections, said, "The issue of Iran-US relations is now up in the air. I'll put an end to this state of no decisions. Because we have determined the policy: we say if the Americans change, we will change as well. When the problem is solved, we should not leave it undetermined. A proposal must be put forward some time. I would rather my government offers this proposal. This is a proposal for reciprocal change."

Iranian presidential hopeful Mohsen Rezaei talks during an exclusiveinterview with The Associated Press in Tehran on Tuesday May 26, 2009.(AP photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)